A/N: Well hello there. I've been absent from this story and my other stories for a while. Sorry about that. It wasn't intended. Uni got the better of me. But, i've finished for the year, and now I can focus on writing, so there might be two or three chapters uploaded today, depending on what i'm doing, or if I can be bothered. I will definately try and upload for Forever Unstoppable today, so if you read that story, you'll be in luck with a new chapter. If you're still with me on this story, I hope you enjoy it, and i'm sorry for the delay in uploads. I'm going to try and go back to every Friday, so I hope I can keep up with myself... Enjoy. JusticeIsn'tEasy0083. D.

Chapter Seven: Merry Christmas

Quinn had promised that she and Finn would keep their Christmas low-key this year. Mike and Tina have a four week old baby, and Quinn's pregnant... they can't afford to be running around planning large extravaganzas and hoping that the queen of Sheba shows up or something... Rachel seems to think that Christmas means throwing a really extravagant party and inviting all kinds of people from every single part of her life, but Kurt isn't looking forward to the holidays... he has a court case tomorrow morning, and whilst his lawyers guarantee that Sebastian has nothing on him, there is a sinking feeling that they're hiding something from Kurt, and the designer hates when people hide things from him... he's a good father... he's a hell of a lot better than Sebastian will ever be, and he knows that Blaine wouldn't hurt Holly in any way... he's her teacher... it's just Puck and Finn they have to be careful about. Don't want those two going off to beat the shit out of Sebastian... that would put a bad image onto Kurt's head... then again, it's like the man is asking for a fight, because he keeps showing up wherever they are, and randomly digging into everyone's business... he even went as far as to stalk Finn and Quinn to their ultra-sound. That in itself is kind of creepy, and not something that Sebastian should make a habit of doing. Another thing, Kurt is worried about his upcoming anniversary. He and Blaine have been together two months on the fifteenth of December. It's nothing big, but to him, that's a milestone in such a new relationship.

Tina and Mike had been filled in about the court case, and were firmly set on Kurt's side, of course, they don't know the full story about why he and Sebastian broke up in the first place, but some things are better kept hidden. Some things are better when your friends don't know about them. It's not like he's ashamed of anything, what is there to be ashamed of? He just doesn't want that to change people's opinions about him. He's not a bad person, he's a wonderful father and brother and son, and no one can dispute that. Finn would stick up for him if anyone said anything, but he doesn't want Finn to get him in more trouble, by bashing anyone and putting that reputation on him before the trial. They can't afford any slip ups or mistakes. Finn knows this, but it's still hard. He would rather kill Sebastian than watch him ruin Kurt's life, and he loves that about his brother, but they can't be worrying about that stuff now. They have to worry about other things, like Christmas, and anniversary. Blaine had been making lunch for himself and Holly, whilst Kurt sat with the lawyers and talked about strategy and what they would say and do at the trial. They had wanted to spend as much time together as possible to talk through things, before the first trial, and of course, because they were getting closer and closer in their relationship.

'Do you think we have a chance of winning this thing if Sebastian brings up the past?' Kurt asked, thanking his boyfriend for the drink before turning back to the papers in front of him

'I think we can win this period. Kurt you're the biological father. We have the surrogate mother and we have all of your friends and family, so the chance of Sebastian winning this custody hearing, is slim to none,'

'Yeah, but there is a chance he'll play dirty right. I mean, he's obviously serious about this,' Blaine said, flipping through the Vouge on the kitchen table

'If he plays dirty, then we'll play dirtier right back,' Kurt replied, winking and sipping the diet coke on the table.

Sebastian knew he was crossing a line by digging into Blaine's past. He didn't think he'd actually find anything, but when he did, the thought of using is against Kurt sprung to mind. He always says he doesn't want to hurt his ex, but that doesn't mean he can't mess with Blaine a little, stir the man up, and make him regret taking Kurt and Holly away from him. Of course, if he could get Finn and Puck to slip up and punch him, he'd have even more reason to take Holly from Kurt. that sounds harsh... you don't want to hurt anyone, but you made a mistake giving up Kurt... he thought, flipping through the deposition in front of him, ignoring everything his lawyer was saying, in the hopes that the woman would fuck off and leave him alone. Of course, that wouldn't happen, because he made it so their first trial would be tomorrow. He wants Holly over Christmas and then afterwards, they can work something out. It had started raining outside, but from his hotel room, Sebastian could see the neighbourhood where Kurt's house was located. If Rachel had her way, she'd probably have him chased out of town, but this isn't New York, or Lima... they can't boss him around anymore. He was the one who walked out on Kurt, so really he should pay for that, but he loves Holly as much as Kurt and he thinks that he can be the better father, providing for his daughter, and spending time with her. Kurt is always travelling, and leaving Holly with Blaine... probably not the smartest idea... then again Sebastian, it could be because you don't know Blaine all that well... it's not that, he just doesn't like the teacher...

Two weeks before Christmas, the streets are lined with Christmas decorations and every store is packed with people doing last minute present shopping. Amongst many commuters, are Kurt and Mercedes. He has no idea what to get Blaine neither for their anniversary, nor for Christmas, and it's making things harder for him. He has the trial, two month anniversary, Christmas, Rachel's party, Mike and Tina's post-baby shower... there is so much stuff on in such a small amount of time, if he doesn't slow down for a couple of days, he won't appreciate anything that is thrown his way. Blaine deserves more than that, and he wouldn't let their anniversary go past without a celebration... Okay Kurt, you have four days till your anniversary, worry about that when the time comes. You have a trial in two hours, and still have to get something for Blaine... he thought to himself, as people started recognising him in the street. That's what he was afraid of. Moving to such a town as this, that he'd get recognised easier... he has three big stores here, and the other companies that he owns, plus Hudmel Inc, it's not like he wouldn't be noticed, but he didn't think it would be right now, for something so trivial like a court case about the custody of his six year old daughter. Mercedes was listing off a bunch of things she needed to get for Rachel's party, and for Sam and her parents. Kurt just walked beside her in silence, hoping that he would be able to get through the next two hours and not break at Sebastian's presence. Blaine had been texting him all day with little happy messages to get him through the day. Holly is at school, and that's the best thing for her, she doesn't need to be wrapped up in all of this. Blaine is going to get someone to take over his class for the afternoon so he can try and be with Kurt at the trial, but it's not looking good, and Kurt's not sure how well that will go down with Sebastian. Abandoning class, unreliable teaching methods... anything could be written down and used against us... Kurt thought, helping Mercedes carry three of the eight bags she was holding.

They managed to get home before Mercedes brought the whole shopping centre, and settled at the dining room table, waiting for Blaine to get off from school and meet them here. Finn and Puck had promised they would try to get work off too, but Kurt didn't think it wise those two be there, in case something happens. Puck set a no argument stance, and the others kind of had to follow it. Finn insisted that because he's the uncle, and Kurt's brother, he has to be there for moral support. Quinn was also on this page, and therefore, Rachel needed to be there as well. How am I going to explain to them about Blaine being there without giving away our relationship status? I want to tell them on Friday... but if they find out before hand... is it really so bad that they know Kurt? He asked himself, thinking if maybe he should just get it over with, and let the petals fall where they may. Their anniversary was the week before Christmas, and Christmas is two weeks away, meaning their anniversary is in a week, and Kurt hasn't gone out to buy anything for Blaine... he doesn't even have Holly's Christmas presents yet, let alone anyone else's. Kurt's lawyer promised that she would do everything in her power to make Sebastian pay for this, but he hasn't heard anything. Mercedes had offered to look after Holly, which Kurt was grateful for, giving Quinn a break from babysitting duty, to focus on becoming a mother herself. Holly didn't need to be at this trial, Kurt's not even sure what it's about to be honest... I guess we're about to find out... Kurt thought, as the knock on the door came, and Kurt hugged Mercedes, grabbing his coat and heading to the foyer, opening the door, and stepping out onto the front porch, linking arms with Blaine, as they headed towards the car. Might as well get it over with... Kurt thought, going over his deposition mentally as Blaine kissed his cheek and pulled him into a hug.

The family court is alot smaller than the normal court rooms they have. It's like forcing the families to be so close is like a wake-up call to what's going on in their lives and gives them the chance to change their minds. Sebastian is already seated with his lawyer when Kurt and Blaine arrived. Rachel, Finn, Puck and Quinn are seated in the watching area with Blaine, whilst Kurt and his lawyer move to the only other empty table to take their places. The judge, Mrs. Wilkerson, was chosen specifically because of her dealings in family law, including same-sex relationships. She's well liked by members of the public, and Rachel seems to think that her track record outshines any other achievement she's made in her life... as long as she doesn't grant custody to Sebastian... Kurt thought, knowing this could go either way... in his favour, or against him.

'Please be seated. We are here today to discuss the possibility of Holly Renee Hummel's transference between homes. The two parents in question are both present and will have a chance to speak later, but for right now, we're going to give a ruling that will start us off,'

'What do they mean by that?' Kurt asked, not understanding what was happening, his lawyer didn't look too happy either

'It's an early plea. The other court case, the big one where Holly has to testify, that's not till March... this is like, a make-shift trial. Their ruling will probably mean that temporary shared custody will be granted to both you and Sebastian... you'll have to share your daughter. It's only a formality Kurt,' she replied, taking Kurt's hand as the judge kept talking about family values and importance

'I don't like this... I don't like this at all,' Kurt said softly, listening as the judge declared temporary, emphasis on temporary, joint custody for the period of December 10th through 28th...

Finn was furious. Sebastian would have to come to the house to talk with Kurt about days of sharing, and all of that. The worst part would be having him in the house. It's bad enough he's in Philadelphia, but in their house... no way on hells earth am I ever letting that happen... I wouldn't... and I won't... if he wants to talk, we'll go to Maine's... Kurt thought, clenching his fists under the table, ignoring the whispers of his friends behind him, and Finn's sneering out of the corner of his eye. He knew bringing them was a mistake, if they do anything stupid within the next eighteen days, he could lose all custody he has... temporary joint custody... who the fuck is this woman to determine that? Kurt thought, wanting to slam his fist against the table, his anger threatening to boil over, and leave him with even less than he started with... Sebastian had been watching him the whole time, but Kurt refused to make eye-contact. When the gavel was finally sounded, and Kurt stood, he leant against the table, arms cross, waiting for Sebastian to finish with his lawyer, before the blonde man turned to face him, and all hell broke loose. Finn was being held back by Puck, luckily; otherwise the taller of all of them probably would have pounded on Kurt's ex, and left him barely breathing... Rachel was glaring at him, and if Kurt knows Rachel's glare (and he does) you don't want to be on the other end of that.

'So, should I pick Holly up from school?' Sebastian asked, mimicking Kurt's stance, whilst Blaine scoffed and took Kurt's hand

'I don't think that will be necessary. Mercedes has already picked her up, and we need to discuss how this is going to work,' Kurt replied, talking in his lower register so that Sebastian knew he was pissed off...

'I'll take her every second day, and on Christmas Eve. You can have her Christmas day, and all corresponding days in between days I have her. So, if I pick her up tomorrow, you can have her back on Saturday,' Sebastian replied, smirking at Kurt who hadn't changed his previous facial expression at all

'Don't think that I don't know what you're up to. You may be tough shit back in Westerville, with all your mates and your prestige, but if there's one thing I know how to do, it's fight... and if you think this means you win... you're wrong... you won't win this trial Smythe... and you definitely won't win me... so don't even try. Holly starts school at eight am sharp every weekday, she's in bed by eight pm, and so help me if you don't feed her well...' Kurt replied, leaving Sebastian and Blaine standing by the tables as he followed Rachel and Quinn outside...

Lunch was meant to be a happy affair, listening to stories about people's days, and judging Rachel's outfits, whilst Finn and Puck shared strategy about COD or whatever game they were trying to play this week. Kurt had never seen his friends so down, and he knows that there's no reason to be happy, but they can at least try to get on with their lives for the next eighteen days. Blaine had to go back to work; he'd only been given the afternoon off for the trial, so it was just Kurt with his family. Burt had wanted to come down, but his father in the same town as Sebastian, wouldn't end well for anyone. He wants to keep Holly, not lose her. The media is in on it now. Sebastian must have tipped them off, because they've been following them around since the end of the trial. Kurt is a good father. He's never begrudged his daughter anything she wants, and he never will. He's worried about what Sebastian might do whilst she's over there though. She has a routine, and he doesn't want that to be broken, also, his ex is a psycho so there's that...

Their arrangement, as Puck was calling it, had been working out well so far. Kurt had panicked the first night he'd stayed at Blaine's without Holly, and the second night, he'd felt that without the girl, his house felt empty... so Blaine offered to move into the house temporarily, to take up the space that Holly would usually encompass. It would only be for three weeks, and then he'd go back to his apartment with Wes and David. Rachel, Mercedes and Tina had organised the Christmas party, and a luncheon at the Chang house the week before had been the perfect opportunity to announce to everyone that they are dating. Blaine had been over the moon when he was accepted into the New Directions group, with handshakes and smiles. Tina and Quinn had spent most of the afternoon, telling stories about Kurt in highschool, and congratulating them. Rachel was a little iffy to begin with, but she warmed up to Blaine, when he mentioned Broadway and the fact that he's a singer. Kurt had warned him not to mention that he was head of the Warblers, which turned out to work in his favour, when someone brought up some Jesse guy, and Puck almost jumped out of his chair he was that pissed off. If they were talking about Jesse St. James, Blaine would understand why. Wes had mentioned him in senior year, just before Regional's. Obviously, he wasn't the best person to trust with anything, so Blaine never met him, but he'd heard about this one school he'd gone to and he'd completely destroyed the lead singer... that must have been McKinley. Kurt didn't have Holly on tonight, not for Christmas Eve, she was spending that with Sebastian, and unfortunately, that meant that they wouldn't be able to do what they normally do on Christmas Eve, sit up until midnight, and then fall asleep on the couch, only for Holly to wake up early to open her presents. Blaine had been staying with Kurt, and their two month old relationship had stood already three mishaps, and a small fight. Quinn promised Kurt that she and Finn would protect him this time. they hadn't been involved much with Kurt and Sebastian... only because Sebastian didn't like the New Directions and therefore would go out with Kurt to any functions... yeah, he probably spent most of that time fucking other guys whilst you were out Kurt... remember... he thought to himself, as he help Rachel set the large dining room table in her house.

The tree in the corner of the room was large, and well decorated. Puck and Rachel are both Jewish, but they celebrate Christmas because of their friends. Kurt wonders sometimes if people can actually change. Puck seems to have changed from highschool to now, and alot of his friends have grown up and matured over the years, but can people really ever change? Sebastian was the same person throughout their entire relationship. He said he changed, but he didn't. According to Wes and Nick, people only change as much as they chose. You can't change a person to be someone you want them to be, only they can make that choice... isn't that what love is though? Sometimes you have to make sacrifices for the ones that you love? Wouldn't that be the more humane option? Try to fit in with your lover's family and friends, in order to maintain that love you have? Maybe you don't love people at all... maybe it's all fake and the universe is messing with people, making them believe things that aren't true. Sebastian never tried to change. He didn't like Burt from the beginning, and it was clear to Kurt that his family weren't too fond of the blonde man either. How could he not see what was happening right in front of him? Sebastian was never home, and when he was, he was always distant, or studying... Holly became less of a priority for him as the time went on, until finally, he got bored or living two lives with Kurt, and told him the truth. He could have done with that back when they were in college... not after they had graduated, and had a daughter. Rachel's doorbell sounding knocked Kurt back into reality, as he was called to the foyer by a rather irate Noah Puckerman.

'Merry Christmas Kurt... I found your man walking up the drive and this little girl...' Sebastian said, handing Kurt her presents and bag, as Blaine stepped inside, kissing Kurt's cheek

'Thanks for dropping her off here,' Kurt replied, going to shut the door, but being stopped by Sebastian

'I thought maybe we could talk... I kind of have a Christmas present that I want to give you, but not in front of everyone,' Sebastian said, stepping inside without permission, forcing Kurt to step back

'I don't have the patience to deal with you right now Sebastian. You lost the right to demand things of me a long time ago. Thank you for bringing my daughter back. Have a nice Christmas,' Kurt replied, pushing him outside and closing the door, sinking down to the floor, head in his hands... maybe he can't do this anymore... maybe he's tired of it...

Holly was thrilled to have Olivia to play with. Rachel and Puck had been running around, trying to get Christmas lunch ready, and hadn't been paying attention to what the girls were talking about, but Rachel heard small snippets of their conversation, including something about Blaine and wanting him to be her papa, not Sebastian. She clutched the side of the bench, and smiled to herself, happy tears falling from her eyes. She was so overwhelmed, when Blaine entered the kitchen to offer his services, she clutched onto him like he was her lifeline, and she didn't want to let him go. He was stunned, but hugged the woman back, before she pulled away, smiling, tears streaming down her face, and grabbed his face in her hands, kissing his cheek and thanking him, before grabbing a plate of food and leaving the teacher alone in the kitchen. Finn and Kurt had witness the whole thing from the backyard, unbeknownst to Blaine, who stood for a few more minutes, before shaking it off, and heading back to help Rachel. Kurt smiled as Finn pulled his brother into a hug, whispering that he was going to throw Blaine a party for making him and Holly smile and laugh like they used to. He's the big brother... he has to look after Kurt... and Holly. He would never begrudge his own child anything, or his niece.

'You deserve to be happy Kurt. Blaine gives you that,' Finn said, as the two men headed back inside, beers in hand

'Promise me one thing... if Sebastian comes near you or Puck, don't hit him...' Kurt asked, leaning against the threshold to the dining room

'Dude, I would never do anything that would jeopardise this case. Sebastian isn't the biological parent... have you told Blaine about that yet?' Finn asked

'No. We've only been together two months Finn...' Kurt replied, taking his beer and heading into the dining room.

Flashback: Holly's First Day with Sebastian

He'd only had his daughter an hour, and she was already grumpy and refusing to talk to him. Okay, so maybe he'd gone about this whole thing the wrong way. Not giving Kurt the chance to explain what was going on was probably a bad move on his part, but he got what he wanted... for now... Holly didn't seem to be very happy about it though... like she'd rather be with Kurt... well two can play at this game... he's going to show her why living with him will be so much better than living with Kurt, and he'll make her chose him, if he has to go to the worst extremes possible. She talks alot about Blaine. When he'd arrived at school to pick her up, she was talking to him like he was her father... a strange man that she doesn't know, talking to her like they're related... he should call child services... then again, what's that going to do but give him a bad reputation when they find out that Blaine's a teacher, and has been since he graduated three years ago? Why should he have to deal with all this crap? Oh right, he's the one that broke up with Kurt... doesn't mean he can't have a little fun with all this shit that's going down, and he does love Holly like she's his own... even though he's not the biological father, he still loves her like he is... doesn't that say something? Doesn't that prove something to people... he's not a bad person, he just got lost for a while... he's going to win back Kurt, and his daughter, and they're going to move back to New York, and live out their lives. If Sebastian has to, he'll ask Kurt to marry him... if that's what the designer wants, then that's what he'll do... be Blaine won't do that for him... Sebastian thought, and then kicked himself... of course he'd do that... it's Kurt...

Blaine hadn't been looking forward to Sebastian picking up Holly. He was dreading it, and he knew most of the other teachers were confused, because he's dating Kurt, but this man is picking up Holly. He didn't want to delve into his boyfriend's private business, and the media were getting out of control. He'd called Kurt earlier that day to inform him of the press, only to find out that Kurt was having the same problem. He wasn't going to say anything to them, he didn't want that burden on his shoulders. Wes and David had been smart-asses to them when the got home, telling them crack stories, and having their fifteen minutes of fame, by introducing them to Wes' gavel from Dalton, and making kind of a mini-series... what surprised Blaine, was the fact that the cameras didn't turn off, or walk away... that in itself was proof to Blaine that they will use anything they can for a story. Consequently, the story in the paper the next day was about Blaine's psycho roommates, which had infuriated Finn and Puck and his boyfriend. Kurt hadn't said much about how he was feeling about the whole thing, but it was hard for him, why wouldn't it be? he practically has to give into the demands that Sebastian wants, until March next year. If I had my way, and I'd followed my father's footsteps and become a lawyer, I'd sue the shit out of that fucked up barstard... Blaine thought, chuckling to himself as he waited with Holly for Sebastian to arrive.

Present Day

'There have only ever been three things in my life that I've been certain about... Vouge is the best magazine in the world, Rachel Berry will be on Broadway, and that we'd all be friends for life... but now I have two more things to add... Holly and Blaine... They way you welcomed him into this dysfunctional family amazed me. I love you all for it so much and I wonder sometimes, what I did to deserve all of you... but now I know... we work hard for everything we have right now, and I wouldn't trade anything for anyone... to family, friends and wonderful food,' Kurt said, clinking glasses with Rachel, and kissing Blaine's cheek

'You know what... Sebastian can fight and claw his way back into our lives, but we'll never let him have Holly. He may have it that way right now... but we've got something he doesn't... family... and that's stronger than anything...'

'Merry Christmas everyone,' Mike said, as they all chorused "Merry Christmas" back, before digging into the food in front of them

Kurt winked at his daughter, who shot him a large smile and winked back... like father like daughter... as they always say...

A/N: Next Chapter: New Years Eve. What resolutions will New Directions have for the year? Can Kurt stop Sebastian from taking custody of Holly? What about his relationship with Blaine? Can it survive the past actions of both of the main characters? Will Rachel and Puck's relationship take the turn for the worst, or will Sebastian succeed in winning Kurt back? Find out next week. Thanks for reading. JusticeIsn'tEasy0083. D.